Environmental Justice (EJ) ensures the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or income. An EJ Working Group assists the Project Team to identify and address potential disproportionately high and adverse effects on minority or low-income communities, and to assure there is equitable distribution of benefits and burdens of the project.

EQUITY IN TRANSPORTATION

Equity seeks fairness in mobility and accessibility to meet the needs of everyone, including those who are:

Low income

Minority

Elderly

Children

Limited English proficiency

Persons with disabilities

EJ AND TITLE VI

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) adheres to the guidelines under Title VI and NEPA during the development of transportation projects. Environmental Justice and Title VI – part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – intersect, but each has its own characteristics. While both address effects to minority populations, EJ also addresses effects to low-income populations. These effects could include: